He was among 526 Marines who graduated Friday and he had been promoted to private first class, while others graduated as privates.

Crawford drowned hours after graduation in the surf off Hunting Island State Park. Officials say Crawford disappeared while swimming about 40 yards from the beach. A relative called 911 after losing sight of him.

The body was recovered about 5:30 p.m. Friday.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports that roughly 600 recruits lined the street leading from the base as Crawford’s family left Saturday morning for Ohio.